The 5:50 Steam Train And The Cows

September 6, 2009

Imagine this scene depicted by Kerry and how it could be recreated on a model railroad layout:

When I was a little lad, I would watch the interaction of the cows to the north field and the 5:50 steam train. When the cows had been milked (around 5:30) they would wander to the fence by the tracks. When the train came by the whistle would be really be blowing for a long time as it was crossing a road crossing and coming into the station.

The cows would run toward the barn and as soon as the whistle ceased they would wander back to the fence. This would be constant pattern of behaviour every day at this time as long as the cows were in the field. It was only with this train that this would occur – no other trains would bother them. Even when diesels would run at this time, the cows would not react. Occasionally when a steam train would operate as an excursion and pass by at this time the cows would behaviour and provide us with fond memories and wonder what made them act this way